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Baby postnatal checks- Child development GCSE
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13 Dec 2025
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Postnatal Baby Checks - GCSE Child Development Guide
Tati
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The Apgar Score - First Health Check
Ever wondered what happens in those crucial first minutes after birth? The Apgar score is like a quick MOT test for newborns, checking five vital signs at 1 and 5 minutes after delivery.
Doctors use the acronym APGAR to remember what to check: Appearance (skin colour), Pulse (heartbeat), Grimace (reflex response), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration (breathing). Each area gets scored 0, 1, or 2 points, with a maximum total of 10.
Most healthy babies score around 9 out of 10 - they often lose a point for having slightly blue hands and feet, which is completely normal. If a baby scores under 6 after 5 minutes, a paediatrician steps in to help.
Quick Tip: Low scores indicate different levels of asphyxia (lack of oxygen) - scores of 5-7 show mild issues, 3-4 moderate problems, and 0-2 need emergency treatment.
Newborn Skin Marks and Protective Coverings
Don't panic if your newborn has unusual marks or coverings - most are completely normal! Birthmarks like salmon patches , Mongolian spots (bluish patches often on the bottom), and strawberry marks (raised red bumps) are common and usually fade by age 4-7.
You might also notice vernix - a white, waxy coating that protected the baby's skin in the womb. This natural moisturiser absorbs into the skin on its own, so there's no need to wash it off immediately.
Lanugo is fine hair that kept baby warm in the womb. It typically sheds before birth or within a few days after, so don't worry if your newborn looks a bit fuzzy at first!
Remember: These skin features are signs your baby developed normally in the womb - they're nothing to worry about.
Physical Checks and Baby Reflexes
After the initial Apgar assessment, medical staff perform a thorough physical examination covering everything from weight and length to checking fingers, toes, hips, and internal organs. They'll test vision by shining lights in baby's eyes and check the mouth's roof to ensure proper feeding ability.
Baby reflexes are fascinating automatic responses that show the nervous system is working properly. The sucking reflex helps with feeding, whilst the rooting reflex helps babies find the breast when their cheek is touched.
Other key reflexes include the grasp reflex (babies automatically grip your finger), stepping reflex (making walking movements when held upright), and the startle reflex (tensing up when surprised). These reflexes gradually disappear as baby's brain develops more control.
Fun Fact: These reflexes are evolutionary leftovers that once helped human babies survive - the grasp reflex was essential when our ancestors lived in trees!
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Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Postnatal Baby Checks - GCSE Child Development Guide
Tati
@tatisotheraccount_
When babies are born, doctors and midwives carry out several important checks to make sure everything's working properly. These tests help spot any problems early and ensure your little one gets the best start in life.
The Apgar Score - First Health Check
Ever wondered what happens in those crucial first minutes after birth? The Apgar score is like a quick MOT test for newborns, checking five vital signs at 1 and 5 minutes after delivery.
Doctors use the acronym APGAR to remember what to check: Appearance (skin colour), Pulse (heartbeat), Grimace (reflex response), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration (breathing). Each area gets scored 0, 1, or 2 points, with a maximum total of 10.
Most healthy babies score around 9 out of 10 - they often lose a point for having slightly blue hands and feet, which is completely normal. If a baby scores under 6 after 5 minutes, a paediatrician steps in to help.
Quick Tip: Low scores indicate different levels of asphyxia (lack of oxygen) - scores of 5-7 show mild issues, 3-4 moderate problems, and 0-2 need emergency treatment.
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Newborn Skin Marks and Protective Coverings
Don't panic if your newborn has unusual marks or coverings - most are completely normal! Birthmarks like salmon patches , Mongolian spots (bluish patches often on the bottom), and strawberry marks (raised red bumps) are common and usually fade by age 4-7.
You might also notice vernix - a white, waxy coating that protected the baby's skin in the womb. This natural moisturiser absorbs into the skin on its own, so there's no need to wash it off immediately.
Lanugo is fine hair that kept baby warm in the womb. It typically sheds before birth or within a few days after, so don't worry if your newborn looks a bit fuzzy at first!
Remember: These skin features are signs your baby developed normally in the womb - they're nothing to worry about.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Physical Checks and Baby Reflexes
After the initial Apgar assessment, medical staff perform a thorough physical examination covering everything from weight and length to checking fingers, toes, hips, and internal organs. They'll test vision by shining lights in baby's eyes and check the mouth's roof to ensure proper feeding ability.
Baby reflexes are fascinating automatic responses that show the nervous system is working properly. The sucking reflex helps with feeding, whilst the rooting reflex helps babies find the breast when their cheek is touched.
Other key reflexes include the grasp reflex (babies automatically grip your finger), stepping reflex (making walking movements when held upright), and the startle reflex (tensing up when surprised). These reflexes gradually disappear as baby's brain develops more control.
Fun Fact: These reflexes are evolutionary leftovers that once helped human babies survive - the grasp reflex was essential when our ancestors lived in trees!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content in Other
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English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user